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Arcologies

Isaac Arthur・25 minutes read

Arcologies combine skyscraper and self-sufficient habitats, initially referring to sustainable communities blending architecture and ecology, with modern portrayals popularized by SimCity 2000. Growing food in Arcologies is challenging due to limited space, but modern farming techniques significantly improve yields and have the potential to feed entire families in small spaces, though vertical farming is not economically viable without fusion power due to high energy costs.

Insights

  • Arcologies are self-contained, ecologically sustainable communities that blend architecture and ecology, not just massive buildings but potentially communities under a dome or linked structures, with a focus on efficient space utilization and sustainable living practices.
  • The concept of arcology extends beyond physical structures to encompass innovative farming practices, such as vertical farming enabled by fusion power, genetic engineering to enhance plant capabilities, and climate-controlled warehouses for optimized growth, showcasing the potential for increased efficiency and sustainability in agriculture within these self-sufficient habitats.

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Recent questions

  • What are arcologies?

    A blend of skyscraper and self-sufficient habitat.

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Summary

00:00

"Origins and Implications of Arcologies for Civilization"

  • Arcologies are a blend of skyscraper and self-sufficient habitat, with a focus on their origins and implications for human civilization.
  • The term "Arcology" originally referred to self-contained ecologically sustainable communities, combining architecture and ecology.
  • These communities were not necessarily giant buildings but could be communities under a dome or linked together.
  • Modern portrayals of Arcologies as massive buildings were popularized by the game SimCity 2000.
  • Growing food in Arcologies requires intensive measures due to limited space, with modern farming techniques significantly improving yields.
  • Traditional farming methods could barely feed one person per acre, but modern methods can increase this significantly.
  • The cost of growing space in a skyscraper for one person is estimated at around a million dollars.
  • Vertical Farming, a recent trend, is not economically viable without fusion power due to high energy costs.
  • Fusion power enables controlled food production indoors, with the potential to feed entire families in small spaces.
  • The Elevator Conundrum poses a challenge for tall buildings, as the need for more elevators limits usable space and increases construction costs exponentially.

12:56

Solving Elevator Congestion with Arcologies and Design

  • Various solutions exist for elevator congestion, such as double decker elevators, express elevators, and dispatching techniques.
  • Arcologies, self-contained structures, reduce elevator congestion due to low traffic areas and lower population density.
  • Arcologies require spacious construction to accommodate hydroponics and other facilities without relying heavily on elevators.
  • The design of arcologies allows for more levels and less reliance on elevators, easing congestion concerns.
  • Human living, working, and shopping areas in cities like Hong Kong and New York do not occupy significant land area.
  • Suburban housing can accommodate large populations without being cramped, with densities of 14,000 people per square mile.
  • A theoretical arcology for 5000 people would require 50 million square feet, equivalent to about 2 square miles.
  • The cylindrical design of the arcology would provide ample space for living, working, and recreational needs.
  • Larger arcologies necessitate complex internal systems akin to human arterial or nervous networks.
  • Arcologies can be built in various environments and sizes, with potential benefits for local ecologies through efficient cooling and automation.

25:34

Enhancing plant capabilities through genetic engineering

  • Genetic engineering offers the potential to enhance plant capabilities, such as enabling them to utilize infrared or green light for energy, presenting a controversial yet innovative option in agriculture.
  • The concept of arcology, encompassing various disciplines, can revolutionize farming practices, like utilizing climate-controlled warehouses to optimize plant growth and potentially adapting similar methods for livestock feeding, showcasing the potential for increased efficiency and sustainability in agriculture.
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